Inside the Guild of Boston Artists gallery on Newbury Street, the New England Watercolor Society (NEWS) is showcasing its annual Signature Members Show, which runs through March 4. Visitors can explore the diverse world of watercolor art during this exhibition.
Paul McMahan from Chelsea with his painting of Preston’s Bridge
The display includes a wide range of styles, from hyperrealist to abstract, and features soulful portraits, intricate depictions of machinery, and sweeping landscapes illuminated by light.
This exhibit presents a rare chance for the public to witness the level of artistry and technical skill that can be achieved in watercolor, a medium known for its challenges.
““Watercolor is an amazingly diverse medium,”” said Wendy Hale, president of NEWS and a Back Bay resident. ““The palette extends from richly saturated colors to muted tones. Our members’ styles are equally varied, from the traditional Andrew Wyeth to today’s modern-edgy.””
Founded in 1885 as the Boston Watercolor Society, the organization changed its name to the New England Watercolor Society in 1980. It is among the oldest and most respected watercolor societies in the United States.
Early members of the Society included notable American artists such as Thomas Allen, F. Childe Hassam, and John Singer Sargent.
Today, the Society has grown to more than 400 members from all six New England states, with nearly 200 of them holding signature member status.
The Society’s mission is to promote the development of aqua media arts across New England and to share exceptional paintings that use both traditional and innovative techniques with a broader audience.
Each year, NEWS sponsors two juried shows. This particular exhibition highlights the work of the Society’s signature members, while the other show is open to all water-media artists in New England during odd-numbered years and across North America during even-numbered years.
To attain signature member status, an artist based in New England must be juried into four NEWS shows within a 10-year period, including at least one North American show.
““The one thing that is unique about the Signature Members Show is that it is always held in Boston every year and is always in February,”” said Hale. ““People can count on it.””
This year’s exhibition judge is Frederick C. Graff, a distinguished member of the American Watercolor Society. Graff had the difficult task of selecting the top 10 winners from 79 entries. He based his decisions on the impact, composition, and originality of each piece.
““With watercolor you’re not going to have a perfect painting,”” said Graff. ““So you take the best and see what they did with the composition and with their artistic ability.””
“But what it really comes down to,” Graff said, ““Is what is the first thing that sticks out to you when you first walk into the room? For me, I usually know right away if I think something is on the top of the awards list.””
In addition to the exhibitions, the Society hosts receptions, award presentations, gallery talks, demonstrations, and workshops led by nationally recognized water media experts.
Community artists and supporters of NEWS can become associate members. Both signature and associate members are eligible for reduced fees for workshops related to the regional and North American shows.
The Signature Members Show reception will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 2 – 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. All artwork on display is available for purchase.
New England Watercolor Society Signature Members Show, Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, through March 4, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sundays 12-4 p.m. Painting demonstrations Sundays 1-3 p.m. on Feb. 11, 18, and 25, and gallery talks Saturdays at 1 p.m. on February 17 and 24 and March 3.